The Ministry of Health & Medical Services encourages the public to get screened for cancer, as it can be treatable and preventable if detected early.
With the theme, “We can. I can. Prevent Cancer” this message is being reiterated as February 4th marks World Cancer Day.
The Hon. Minister for Health & Medical Services Mr Jone Usamate said that people must understand that cancer can be treated if detected early, and this can only happen through cancer screenings.
“Health screenings must be a priority for every individual. It is important that you do not wait to fall sick to get screened, be it for your overall health or cancer screening. Even if you are well it is important to get screened regularly to keep on keeping well”, Minister Usamate said.
“However, if through the screenings some medical concerns arise, it will give you an opportunity to seek treatment early so that you are able to live a productive life”.
Females between the ages of 30-50 are encouraged to get screened for cervical cancer every 3 years. Women of any age should do breast self-examinations regularly and if any abnormalities are found it is recommended to visit a doctor. These screenings are offered at the divisional hospitals and health facilities can be contacted for more information. Men above the age of 40 years old are also encouraged to get screened for prostate cancer.
In Fiji, cancer is the 3rd leading cause of death and about 4742 cancer cases were recorded from 2010-2013. There was a marked increase in cancer cases in 2013 compared with other years.
Recent statistics reveal that in 2014, there were 248 cases of breast cancer and 236 cases of cervical cancer. Also, there are of course many unreported cases of cancer.
This year for World Cancer Day the Health Ministry is encouraging its staff to get screened for cancer with the aim to “walk our health talk” (setting an example). This is also important as health staff are at the forefront of receiving cancer patients. It is important that they fully understand cancer, including cancer screening processes and treatment.
This way they will be able to assist any person that walks into a healthy facility by making them feel comfortable, accepted and able to cope with cancer.
The Health Ministry remains committed to addressing the prevalence of cancer in Fiji. Cancer screenings are available at various health facilities, chemotherapy is available to people free of charge, and transport is available for free to get to/from hospital (funded by Fiji Cancer Society). The Ministry also provides surgery to remove cancers in major hospitals.
The Ministry is a member of the Union for International Cancer Control and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with the prospects of setting up a cancer hospital. The Health Ministry also works closely with the Fiji Cancer Society.
All Fijians are encouraged to visit the Health Ministry’s Facebook page to take part in the cancer awareness raising campaign, “Talking Hands”.